Sir Kenneth Nowder recommended as non-permanent judge of Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal

The Law Society of Hong Kong has expressed its support for the recommendation to appoint Sir Kenneth Nowder as a non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal from another common law jurisdiction. The appointment follows a recommendation by the Judicial Officers Recommendation Committee and is subject to approval by the Legislative Council.

Sir Kenneth Nowder possesses extensive judicial experience, having served as the Deputy Attorney General and Chief Executive of the Office of the Solicitor-General in New Zealand from 2000 to 2006. He was appointed to the New Zealand Court of Appeal in 2006 and promoted to a permanent judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in 2013, serving until his retirement in 2017. He continued as an acting judge until April 2022.

The Law Society noted that under Article 82 of the Basic Law, the Court of Final Appeal may invite judges from other common law jurisdictions to participate in trials. The Society emphasized that the participation of distinguished judicial officers helps consolidate Hong Kong’s common law traditions and maintains its connection to the broader international common law community.